Kinnickinnic River Water Quality Project

Project Background

  • The 22-mile Kinnickinnic River is an exceptional natural resource and world class trout stream.  There has traditionally been tremendous public support to protect and improve the river.
  • The 174-square-mile Kinnickinnic watershed is a diverse ecosystem.  It is home to more than 50% of the bird species and 40% of the plant species found in Wisconsin. It contains more than 40 species of endangered, threatened, or special concern plants, animals, and insects
  • St. Croix County land and Water Conservation successfully acquired a surface water protection grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources that will focus on implementing water protecting Best Management Practices in The Kinnickinnic Watershed.
  • Funding will support installation of grass waterways, buffers, sediment basins, streambank restoration work and management practices such as cover crops and nutrient management plans.
  • Local support for this project includes the Kiap-TU-Wish Trout Unlimited Chapter, Kinnickinnic Land Trust, St. Croix County Sportsman Alliance, and others.

Project Area

  • Project cost-share will be targeted into two HUC 12 sub-watersheds: Headwaters of the Kinnickinnic River and Parker Creek which is the lower portion of the watershed.Kinnickinnic Map

Project Goals

  • Improve water quality in the Kinnickinnic River and downstream Lake St. Croix
  • Reduce phosphorous loading into the Kinnickinnic River by 1200 lbs per year
  • Reduce sediment loading into the Kinnickinnic River by 4,400 tons/year
  • Help landowners and farm operators apply BMP’s to protect the river.Grass Waterway

Kinnickinnic River Cost-Share Program

Most Best Management Practices are cost-shared.

Practice
Cost-Share
Grass Waterways70% cost-share
Cover Crops$50 to $70 per acre
Nutrient Management Plans$40 per acre


Also Covered:

  • Manure storage closure
  • Cattle trail and access walkways, stream crossings
  • Critical Area Stabilization
  • Water Diversion
  • Field Filter Strips
  • Grade Stabilization Structures
  • Heavy Use Area Protection
  • Livestock fencing and watering
  • Prescribed grazing system
  • Well Decommissioning
  • Wetland Development or Restoration
  • Streambank Stabilization

How to Get Started 

  • Contact County Land and Water Conservation staff stating your interest in the project.
  • Schedule a field visit with staff to view your proposed project and discuss options.
  • Sign a cost share contract.
  • Implement the project as designed